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Getting To The Next Level

This post was most recently updated on August 6th, 2016

Getting To The Next LevelWherever you’re at with your online business, you must focus daily on Getting To The Next Level.

You see, if you’re not stretching to reach the next level, then you’re shrinking into complacency.

I’ve seen many entrepreneurs come online to set the world on fire.

I’ve had them as students and coaching clients.

I’ve known them as peers and associates.

One thing I’ve seen repeatedly is that those who keep burning with desire for getting to the next level are the ones who succeed.

Those who are content with the gains they’ve made, and decide to just coast along doing the same thing every day, are the ones who never get far, or collapse altogether.

Playing On A Level Field

Everybody wants to play on a level field.

They want things fair and equitable so that everyone does well, and we all congratulate each other in our abundant success.

The very concept of success, though, requires that we abandon the mythical “level field.”

There can be no success unless there is failure.

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The periods that we stand still on a motionless, “level field” are few, and they don’t last but for a moment.

Most of the time, we are either striving to do better, or acquiescing into ordinariness.

When we’re not striving to be excellent, we are accepting being average.

There are level fields, but most of the time we are either climbing mountains or descending into pits of failure.

Rinse and Repeat

I think part of the problem is that we are always told to do something that works really well, then “rinse and repeat.”

In other words, get good at something, then do it over and over again, ad nauseum.

This will increase our success through the sheer virtue of repeating a “proven tactic.”

Now, I’ll admit, there are certain things we need to do in our business that must be done repetitively.

Every day, we need to work to get subscribers.

But we don’t need to use the same method day in and day out.

At some point, it gets old.

We need to take our business to a new level by finding better ways to pull people onto our email list.

It might require something as simple as a new squeeze page, or a new software program.

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It might be as complex as understanding the evolving nature of internet marketing, why the old methods we used are no longer as effective, and how new ones have the potential to improve our rate of conversion.

The rinse and repeat works only as long as we have no need for getting to the next level.

Familiarity

Another thing that blocks us from getting to the next level is that we are prone to doing familiar things.

Doing what we know, and perhaps what has worked well in the past, puts us into a comfort zone.

We can write a blog post, syndicate it to Facebook and Twitter, reply to our comments, and visit our commenters on their blogs.

Doing this repeatedly will start to drive an increasing amount of traffic to our blog.

But doing it more and more, over and over again will start to have diminishing returns over time.

One reason is that we’ll tend to go to get the same visitors repeatedly, as we will tend to visit a regular blog roll that we’ve earmarked for the implementation of this strategy.

While we can get very comfortable by repeating a tactic that we’re familiar with, and maybe even enjoy, the search engine bots see this activity as repetitive and therefore of less page rank value than if were were continually getting unique visits from a growing range of followers.

This is just one little example of how familiarity, while comfortable, usually reaches a point at which it is not going to be helping us improve our business. It might not even be sufficient for us to maintain it on that mythical “level field.”

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Don’t forget that one of the big reasons you probably became an online entrepreneur to begin with, was to avoid the world of routine work, a 9 to 5 job, largely because it kept us in comfort while robbing us of adventure and creative thrust.

You escaped that once, don’t let yourself slide back into it within the confines of your own online business.

Comfort is always ordinary and average, and it leads to stagnation.

Strive to challenge yourself, embracing discomfort and rising to next level that is entirely extraordinary, above average and leads to growth and expansion.

Getting To The Next Level

Those who will excel are those who refuse to slide into the ordinary. Whatever once ignited their zeal to get out of the world of the ordinary, must continually keep those fires burning.

These are the people who will stretch their limits, break through whatever boundaries make them ordinary, and always seek excellence in everything they do.

They will never be complacent, satisfied or content with their achievement.

Nor will they shrink from their failures, many of which every great success will endure.

Now, let’s take one brief moment to talk about “getting to the next level” might actually look like.

Let’s take blogging for an example, here.

Say you’re a blogger but you don’t know how to build an email list.

Learning how to integrate an opt-in form on your sidebar would help you to start building an email list.

This would be an example of “getting to the next level.”

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Let’s say you have an opt-in form on your sidebar and you’ve been very slowly building an email list with it. But it’s not enough, and it’s not fast enough.

Learning to create a more compelling lead magnet (the free thing people get in exchange for joining your email list), could be another example of “getting to the next level.”

Let’s say you’ve got a great lead magnet, and you’re pulling subscribers onto your list, but they’re not converting into buyers once they get there.

Learning how to use content upgrades on your blog will improve your conversion rate.

Learning to create a better email sequence for people who sign up would also improve that rate.

Redirecting new subscribers instantly to a special offer would also improve that rate.

All these things are examples of “getting to the next level” using just this one tiny example.

If you don’t know how to do these things, make it your business to learn how, or hire a good coach who can help you out.

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Let nothing stand in your way.

That’s the way to move from ordinary to a high level of success and achievement.

Are you desirous of getting to the next level?

Or are you still trying to establish a baseline foundation for your business, one from which you hope to build on more aggressively in the near future?

Are you anxious to move beyond your comfort zone, or are you content in seeking a plateau that would allow you to simply do the same things you’re doing now.

I’d like to hear your comments below.

And if you’re looking for someone to help you get to the next level in your business, do let me know either in the comments below, or by using my private contact form.

-Donna

Donna Merrill
Donna is a well known blogger and creator of "Blogging Magic" - an intensive guide to blogging. "Blogging Magic" is for beginners who are trying to figure out how to bring their blogs to life with tons of visits, comments and social media interaction. It's even for advanced bloggers looking to reach new levels of authority and engagement with their audience.

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48 Responses to Getting To The Next Level

  1. Maxwell Ivey
    Twitter:
    May 29, 2016 at 8:47 pm #

    Hi Donna; Thanks for reminding us that if we aren’t growing then we are receding or falling backwards. However, it is a good idea to take some time to appreciate the plateau before climbing the next mountain. I have been working hard at getting my twitter following and email subscribers up. BUt you make a good point that after we start to attract them we have to figure out how to turn them into clients and customer. Thanks again, Max
    Maxwell Ivey recently posted..Live on the inside with Marilyn ShannonMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill June 1, 2016 at 2:49 pm #

      Hi Max,

      Indeed, we always have to move forward….not like a fanatic, but at a pace that suits us.

      Turning subscribers into buyers can be a difficult task to do, but if we keep trying every day, eventually it will happen.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..3 Steps To Selecting A Blogging NicheMy Profile

  2. Rachel
    Twitter:
    May 17, 2016 at 6:45 pm #

    Hey Donna,

    It appears as if this post was written for me. For the last couple of weeks I have been thinking about new methods and stepping out of this comfy little zone and routine I have created for myself. I like it, its safe but I’m no longer feeling as challenged.

    Yet when I do start to action my plan, I go into the unknown, hit a wall, panic and then let it go for a week or so. Until I get annoyed at myself. It is when I am focused and refuse to let anything get in the way. That’s when I soldier march right on through my own barriers and feel like a job well done.

    I could not agree with you more, aim for excellence. I strive for sending out work that is the best standard I could possibly do.

    And while this has nothing to do with this post, I could not wait to tell you. I read a post of yours months ago where you talk about an electronic hand shake. It has been on my ‘to do list’ ever since reading it. Finally it is done. I have worked out how I want to present it. By the end of week it will be up and running. So just want to say thank you for a number of reasons. You do get me motivated and action orientated.

    Rachel.

    • Donna Merrill May 22, 2016 at 1:28 pm #

      Hi Rachel,

      I know that feeling so well. Hey…you wrote about being Superwoman lol. And I’ sure that you do practice what you preach. Sometimes a new plan knocks us for a loop. Then, it takes a while to train that brain to step up, which I know you will do.

      Awww you remember that we have that “electronic handshake” I write about constantly. I think you are doing a wonderful job.

      I am so happy to know I’ve motivated you. Hey, you motivate me too with your blog. This is what it’s all about. At the end of the day, we all are in this blogging world to help each other. That’s why I love it so much.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Run Your Blog Like You Would Run A StoreMy Profile

  3. Donna Merrill May 16, 2016 at 11:53 am #

    Hi Michael,

    Thank you for your compliment of this blog. There is nothing better than someone taking one thing from a blog post and getting inspired.

    Indeed “stretch” beyond where you are now and promote your blog!

    -Donna
    Donna Merrill recently posted..4 Ways To Write More Blog Posts, And Write Them Better And FasterMy Profile

  4. Michael
    Twitter:
    May 15, 2016 at 8:39 pm #

    Great post, Donna! When I read your posts, it is as though you are directly talking to me. It is a great pleasure reading them.

    This one is very inspiring. You just motivated me to stretch beyond where I am now. I am going to try a few new ways of promoting my blog.

    –Michael
    Michael recently posted..Retirement Account Performance – May 2016My Profile

  5. Kathryn Maclean
    Twitter:
    May 15, 2016 at 3:42 pm #

    Donna
    What a wonderful article you created here in “getting to the next level”

    You are indeed the teacher! Stretching to reach step after step in our
    online businesses, focusing on getting to the next level.

    I liked your examples of the next step
    – every day, we need to work to get subscribers
    – using different methods day in and day out
    – a better lead magnet
    – finding better ways to pull people onto our email list

    It might require something as simple as a new squeeze page, or
    a new software program.
    Every day, we need to work to get subscribers.

    We need to take our business to a new level. No rinse and repeat.
    Keeping a burning desire for getting to the next level, these
    are the ones who succeed. It can be achieved, small step
    by step.

    • Donna Merrill May 16, 2016 at 11:39 am #

      Hi Kathryn,

      Glad you liked this article. Indeed, each and every day there is something new to learn and apply to our business. We always have to take it up a notch to the next level.

      Imagine if we didn’t? It would be so boring or even frustrating, we would eventually disappear from it all together.

      I do find it fascinating.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..4 Ways To Write More Blog Posts, And Write Them Better And FasterMy Profile

  6. Barrie Evans
    Twitter:
    May 15, 2016 at 9:46 am #

    You talk so much sense in this post Donna. I understand about moving any success on and the “rinse and repeat” to keep moving forward.
    It’s important to stay focused on your goal and stick to your plan. Whatever business you’re in, you need to keep moving forward and I have seen too many people get into a “rut” and stay stuck.
    Barrie Evans recently posted..Discovering Your Road To Success – Part 2 Of 4My Profile

  7. Shalu Sharma
    Twitter:
    May 14, 2016 at 6:29 pm #

    Its been many years since I have been blogging and have always tried to go to the next level. Once I have achieved something then I try to do something else. Loved the way you have given examples of blogging…
    Shalu Sharma recently posted..How to make money from a travel blog?My Profile

  8. Atish Ranjan
    Twitter:
    May 13, 2016 at 3:28 pm #

    Donna,

    Amazing post.

    As you said that when we keep doing the things that we do everyday we restricts ourselves, and our business becomes stagnant. We always need to get to the next level because when you don’t try to go ahead, someone else will. And, you will be out of the competition. That is how the business goes on.

    To stand in the competition, we must need to try new ways, and in fact we should invent our own ways of marketing and promotion.

    I loved the post, Donna! Have a great weekend ahead.
    Atish Ranjan recently posted..7 Actionable Tips for Boosting Wi-Fi SignalMy Profile

  9. Robin Khokhar
    Twitter:
    May 13, 2016 at 5:21 am #

    Hi Donna,
    Sometimes it becomes a lot difficult to reach the next level. But you have come up with an excellent post to reach the next level, enjoyed reading it and learned some new things.
    Robin Khokhar recently posted..WordPress Child Themes: What, Why, and HowMy Profile

  10. ikechi
    Twitter:
    May 12, 2016 at 10:04 pm #

    Hi Donna

    Let’s face it! You are right. There is no point being stagnant. It really does no good. So I do agree that one needs to move to the next level. Besides being on the same plane can be boring and so discomforting.

    You revealed some awesome tips on moving to he next level. We need to leave our comfort zones if we are to ever succeed in business. Thanks for sharing. Take Care

    • Donna Merrill May 15, 2016 at 1:45 pm #

      Hi Ikechi,

      Indeed, being stagnant is so darn boring. I always wonder how some people can do that.

      We have to move to the “next level” in business but it really boils down to moving in our lives. As we go through this thing called time, we need to be growing to that next level. It is such a great experience to do.

      Learning new things, applying ourselves to take action..what ever it is, when we step out of our comfort zone, the feeling inside is wonderful!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..4 Ways To Write More Blog Posts, And Write Them Better And FasterMy Profile

  11. Peter Beckenham
    Twitter:
    May 12, 2016 at 7:55 am #

    Hello Donna,

    Apologies for my recent absence but we’ve had a few challenges in our little Thai village lately.

    This is a post that I just have to share with my list as you have hit on something that is so very important. Far too often we all fall prey to taking the easy route of doing the “rinse and repeat” strategy you mentioned simply because it works for us.

    But who wants to be average? And as you so rightly pointed out ” there can be no success unless there is failure” – getting outside my comfort zone is something I really like to do as for me this is the only way to ensure I am growing my skills, knowledge and experience.

    If I can continue to educate myself and implement new skills then I feel like I am far better positioned to be able to constantly give more value to my target audience.

    Actualy re my blog traffic thing this is something I need to do more work on.

    Right now only about 45% of the visitors to my place are in my target audience and although I love to connect, share, learn and network with highly successful bloggers. I must also continue to reach out to my target audience (beginner bloggers) and create the best content I can for them.

    As alwys I enjoyed your fantastic approach to such an important topic Donna and with your permission I am going to share this post link with my “beginner blogger’s” list as it really contains info that they must be aware of.

    Bst wishes from the remote Thai village blogger

    Peter
    Peter Beckenham recently posted..Your First Blog Post – Make It CountMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill May 15, 2016 at 1:30 pm #

      Hi Peter,

      Of course you can share this with your “beginner Blogger;s” list. I found that your post was so incredible…I had to shout it out to everyone too.

      I know we fall prey to being average. But who wants to be average? Ha Ha…we need to stand out of the crowd and there are so many ways to do so. I find that the easiest way is to be ourselves. Get quirky with headlines, write the honest truth…as you do so well.

      I say to stick to your target audience. You are a great teacher and I know you are helping so many. It is so difficult to be a beginner at blogging and then maintain the consistency of hanging in there.

      I hope everything is getting better in your village.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..4 Ways To Write More Blog Posts, And Write Them Better And FasterMy Profile

  12. Tom Southern
    Twitter:
    May 12, 2016 at 4:16 am #

    Hi Donna,

    You highlight really good steps to making it to that next level.

    It’s all about discovering what works and what form of delivering what clients want that helps move you forward. Doing what works is powerful and once you’ve found what works, to keep doing it.

    But the magic comes from keeping on going. Too many people don’t see immediate results they expected and give up frustrated and disappointed.

    It all comes down to knowing from the start what it is you want out of having a blog (and if you’re on track to get it).

    This gives you focus and clarity on what your audience wants. It also helps you be confident in what you’re doing online.

    It also gives you insights into how to move forward for best results.

    Great insights, Donna, thanks.

    – Tom
    Tom Southern recently posted..6 Little Talked About (and Possibly Controversial) Reasons Why Your Traffic Conversion Rate SucksMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill May 12, 2016 at 5:56 pm #

      Hi Tom,

      Great to know you liked these insights. You are spot on when you mentioned that it’s all about what works and delivering it to our clients to help things to move forward. Once we find something that works, we do need to pass it on. And when we do, I feel it is most important to always say “this worked for me…if you are consistent and willing it can work for you too” Not really a disclaimer, but bringing out the point that there is no magic bullet.

      And the real magic comes from keeping on doing it! If people expect immediate results, they are in never-never land.

      We have to work at it and be clear and consistent.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..4 Ways To Write More Blog Posts, And Write Them Better And FasterMy Profile

  13. Neena
    Twitter:
    May 12, 2016 at 12:16 am #

    Hi Donna,

    I love the way that you push us to go beyond “rinse and repeat” – if you don’t keep innovating, your business is sure to get stale.

    Sometimes it is too easy to stay in a holding pattern. After all, there is only so much time to give. But learning and trying new strategies is what will inspire growth.

    And growth brings opportunity to automate or hire out some of the old tasks to make room for the new.

    Excellent food for thought!

    • Donna Merrill May 12, 2016 at 5:32 pm #

      Hi Neena,

      Rinse and repeat is such a common term in marketing, but some don’t quite get it. They do the same thing over and over again. It has to be tweaked once you get something in line. So change is in order.

      I’m with you: “Learning new strategies is what will inspire growth.” And growth begets new opportunity.

      Thanks!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..4 Ways To Write More Blog Posts, And Write Them Better And FasterMy Profile

  14. Stella Chiu
    Twitter:
    May 11, 2016 at 2:16 pm #

    Hi, Donna

    I love one of your sentences,”Let nothing stand in your ways”. Most often, we are the ones who standing in our ways to success. We are lazy in nature; like to stay at the comfort zone and don’t like to change.

    Unfortunately, if we stay at the comfort zone too long, everything will hit the “plateau”, The result will move towards downhill. Small changes will produce big results in long run.

    Thanks for the post.
    Stella Chiu recently posted..The Mystery of the Law of AttractionMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill May 12, 2016 at 5:25 pm #

      Hi Stella,

      So true, most often we ARE the ones who stand in our own way to success. Laziness and being comfortable in our zone is something we need to have the mindset to push through.

      I’ve been in the “Plateau” many times in my life and it is not a good feeling. Indeed, small changes do produce results in the long run.

      Thanks so much,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..4 Ways To Write More Blog Posts, And Write Them Better And FasterMy Profile

  15. Kim Willis
    Twitter:
    May 11, 2016 at 6:01 am #

    Hi Donna,

    Amazing to me that you led with the sub-topic of ‘level playing field’. I agree. In fact, this issue is one of my pet peeves. When someone talks about level playing field, they’re talking total BS. The reality is that there is no such thing. We live in a harsh world, and efforts by regulators, etc. to create level playing fields in the business community are counter-productive and ultimately doomed. Like putting lipstick on a pig.

    In regards to ‘rinse and repeat’ you’re right again. In the fast-changing world of internet marketing, rinse and repeat only works for a short time. Then we have to scratch around like a headless chicken and try to find the next rolled gold winner. (I had one affiliate program that made me an easy $200k, then it inexplicably stopped working. Rinse and repeat? How about no?)

    Striving to reach the next level is key. We can’t be satisfied with just ‘getting by’. Sooner or later there’ll be another shift and before you know it, ‘getting by’ becomes ‘going broke.’ Not a nice place to be.

    You suggested that a coach can help. So true. A good coach can shake us up, get us excited and give us practical strategies to help us get to the next level. Your readers should reach out and talk to you, for sure

    Great post, Donna

    Kim
    Kim Willis recently posted..Susan Jeffers Says ‘Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway’ (Is She Right?)My Profile

    • Donna Merrill May 12, 2016 at 4:59 pm #

      Hi Kim,

      Thanks for your insights here.

      It’s so true that the ideal “level playing field” is totally, as you say, counter-productive.

      That’s a perfect way to describe it because, in fact, we are productive when we are striving. We are striving to get to something higher, better, or more suitable.

      I so often hear that “I just want to do this little thing and keep doing it, and earning a stable income.”

      That is the disaster march.

      Fight to accomplish something, which means, be productive, get to a better place.

      Then once you’re there, on that “level playing field”… you can stop and relax and end your struggle to get to something better. You’re there! aren’t you?

      The problem is, there is no “there”, no plateau that you can rest on and be happy for the rest of your life.

      Especially with an online business!

      If you’re not growing, you’re dying.

      If you’re not learning, you’re out of touch.

      If you’re not engaging, you’re on an island.

      Striving and fighting and biting and crushing, crushing every day.

      That’s what will get you “there” and as long as you keep striving, keep reaching for that next level, you’ll continue to grow and be productive and successful, and yes, earn an income.

      As soon as that all stops on some happy little plateau… it will all come crashing down.

      Crush it, or lose it.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Drive Traffic To Your Blog For FreeMy Profile

  16. Jennifer Giacoppo
    Twitter:
    May 11, 2016 at 12:42 am #

    Hey Donna,
    I love this post because it is the truth for most of us. I myself at this very moment am looking into developing new relationships with Personal Development Coaches for the sheer reason I like to connect with like minded people. It’s sort of like being in a group so I don’t ever feel alone. It’s like hanging out with other like minded people.

    Yeah it’s nice if it gets you noticed or you get some subscribers from it, but for me personally I love to read about other people’s ideas,experiences and whatever they happen to offer.

    I also find that I constantly like change and so stepping it up is always fun for me since like you said, continuing to do the same thing becomes boring….the energy gets too slow for me…love your posts as always and love hanging out here in your space……Lashings of love -Jennifer

    • Donna Merrill May 12, 2016 at 4:09 pm #

      Hi Jennifer,

      I can resonate with you. It is wonderful to be able to read other people’s posts because there is so much we can learn from each other.

      I cannot imagine living life without learning – without moving forward. Gosh…I would feel like I was caged. Yes…doing the same thing over and over gets so slow and can bring our energy levels down.

      Thank you for your kind words!

      -Donna

  17. Sherman Smith May 10, 2016 at 11:46 pm #

    Hey Donna,

    This really resonated with me.

    In years past I felt like I was doing the same routine.

    Publish a post, read, comment, and share.

    I tell you after a while you plateau. If you don’t make any changes and take on any new challenges you’ll stay there and burn out.

    This is why it’s a good idea to keep stretching.

    There’s this saying that goes like this: “Until you are willing to be confused about what you already know, what you know will never become wider, bigger, or deeper”

    Thanks for sharing Donna! Have a great rest of the week!
    Sherman Smith recently posted..Conquering The Fear Of Publishing Your New Blog PostMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill May 11, 2016 at 5:08 pm #

      Hi Sherman,

      Oh that good old plateau. I think every blogger reaches it. But it is a good kick in the butt for us to find something new.

      Yes we have to keep on stretching, not only for our sake, but for our readers.

      Thank you so much for that wonderful saying: “Until you are willing to be confused about what you already know, what you know will never become wider, bigger, or deeper” I’m saying it in my mind over and over again so I won’t forget it.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..4 Ways To Write More Blog Posts, And Write Them Better And FasterMy Profile

  18. Mark
    Twitter:
    May 10, 2016 at 3:40 pm #

    Awesome content as usual Donna!LOL!

    I’m not really sure where to begin, because you shared so
    many incredibly points and concepts!LOL!

    But your points about sliding back into complacency are so
    true!

    And I love your often overlooked points, about the pros & cons, of
    the”rinse & repeat” theory of success, that practically all of us have been
    exposed to, in one form or another.

    And your getting to the next level advice, really makes a lot of sense and is
    extremely practical and therefore extremely doable!

    Thanks so much for sharing another excellent post!
    Mark recently posted..How Savvy Retail Appliance Entrepreneurs Can Literally Mop The Floor With Their Nearest Competitors!My Profile

    • Donna Merrill May 11, 2016 at 4:53 pm #

      Hi Mark,

      I’m happy to know that my posts are doable for you. Thanks for that feedback, I do appreciate it.

      When in any business, there will be a rise and fall effect. When it does decline a bit, then we have to figure out what is wrong, or what we need to do differently in our marketing plan. I’ve been at this offline and online for so many years, I just go with the flow.

      The best advice here is not to let things get to the emotional side of you. Just go about with a business as usual.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..4 Ways To Write More Blog Posts, And Write Them Better And FasterMy Profile

  19. Dana
    Twitter:
    May 10, 2016 at 2:57 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    This —–> “There can be no success unless there is failure.”
    Brilliant and true.

    One of the Laws of Nature is the Law of Polarity. Without one there cannot be another on the same scale. This is something that has shown up for me recently that I know I have to pay close attention to.

    I do feel I have upped my game since creating my blog. I’ve done a couple of things I wouldn’t have even thought possible – and had no idea how I’d put them together, so that’s good.

    But it’s not enough either.

    Things change so quickly, so yes, constantly learning is the way to go.
    Not always easy, but important.

    Knowing that I can become easily overwhelmed by too much information, I have to take small steps and just be focused on that.
    So for me, it’s time to develop something else to add to what I’ve already created.

    Thank you for putting this together.
    Dana recently posted..Weight Loss Does NOT Have to Be A DragMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill May 10, 2016 at 11:22 pm #

      Hi Dana,

      Indeed, there can be no success unless there is failure. I believe failure is our greatest lesson.

      It’s so great that you have upped your game since you have started your blog.

      That’s the way to do it girl….take the information you need to move forward with your plan and don’t look at anything else.

      If we constantly put things together we are going forward. That’s a healthy way to do business.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..4 Ways To Write More Blog Posts, And Write Them Better And FasterMy Profile

  20. Lisa Sicard
    Twitter:
    May 10, 2016 at 1:45 pm #

    Donna, you make some excellent points. I feel like I haven’t stepped up lately mostly due to time constraints but you’ve given me a few ideas here. Thank you. I think we all need a shove every once in a while to move along 🙂

    • Donna Merrill May 10, 2016 at 2:11 pm #

      Hi Lisa,

      He He…glad I gave you a little shove lol. But sometimes we go through phases where we cannot step up. Either stuff happens in our lives, or we just need a break! We are not machines, but complicated entities called people.

      When we consider all we have to deal with, it is a healthy thing to step back sometimes and then move forward. We cannot put time restraints on ourselves. We need to move forward and take the next step in any aspect in our lives with focus and energy. If not, we fall down. 🙂

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..4 Ways To Write More Blog Posts, And Write Them Better And FasterMy Profile

  21. Mandy Allen
    Twitter:
    May 10, 2016 at 1:24 pm #

    Hi Donna, what an enlightening post. Of course most enlightened people will be well aware that there is ‘no success without failure’, and we have to keep going, keep trying, learn from the mistakes and challenges and move forwards each day, as long as we’re heading in a planned direction we’ll get there in the end!

    Enjoy the journey!

  22. Marquita Herald
    Twitter:
    May 10, 2016 at 12:55 pm #

    Wonderful message Donna! I have a tagline on my goals that I remind myself of every day – Don’t play the game, change the game. This is challenging in any niche, but as I follow those I consider my top competition I always ask myself how can I do this differently, and try to present different perspectives on topics in my articles and in my weekly newsletter. I’ve made a lot of behind the scenes changes in the last 2 months and am now working on the front end. It seems painfully slow process, but when I start beating myself up I look at the healthy increase in subscribers over the same period along with the high retention rate, and I figure I’m at least heading in the right direction. The real test will come in the next “phase” of the project. 🙂 Thanks for the insights and inspiration!

    • Donna Merrill May 10, 2016 at 2:02 pm #

      Hi Marquita,

      I love that tagline “Don’t play the game, change the game” That will be branded in my brain and I thank you for that. You ALWAYS give me great insight.

      I have seen you change in the past when I first met you years ago. I’ve seen you grow into a amazing author and also I do get so much help each week when I visit you and read your latest article. I always come away with something to think about….something that enhances me as a person.

      I could not imagine what you are doing behind the scenes but I’m sure it is a wonderful progression.

      I wish you all the best!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..4 Ways To Write More Blog Posts, And Write Them Better And FasterMy Profile

  23. Cararta
    Twitter:
    May 10, 2016 at 12:41 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Getting in a rut will do you in. As you mentioned, doing the same familiar
    things over and over brings the same results…even if it is comfortable and easy to manage…

    Hard for some to make that move to the next level, abandoning the safe and secure.

    Just remember , Life is change and that applies even on the internet.!

    So to move up, you will need to embrace the unfamiliar.
    Cararta recently posted..BuildMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill May 10, 2016 at 1:50 pm #

      Hi Cararta,

      Sage advice! Doing the same thing over and over creates a comfort zone and we end up like a “couch potato” lol.

      At some point we all must step out of that zone. Indeed Life is change and it applies in every aspect of our lives. Yes…embrace the unfamiliar!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..4 Ways To Write More Blog Posts, And Write Them Better And FasterMy Profile

  24. Edward Thorpe
    Twitter:
    May 10, 2016 at 6:24 am #

    Hi Donna,

    I get the sense you’re an excellent mentor/coach who doesn’t suffer excuses from students! Yet, you’re totally committed to helping them achieve success.

    Sounds like a winning combination to me.

    Good post with excellent points that certainly gave me pause.

    Thank you,
    Edward
    Edward Thorpe recently posted..Can A Positive Lifestyle Lead To Negativity?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill May 10, 2016 at 1:37 pm #

      Hi Edward,

      Thank you so much for your kind words. You are so correct. As a coach I do not tolerate excuses. I am pretty hard on people but I’m up front about it. If someone wants to work with me as a coach great…but they do know the rules before they get into it.

      I am committed to helping, but I’m a tough old bird.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..4 Ways To Write More Blog Posts, And Write Them Better And FasterMy Profile

  25. Harleena Singh
    Twitter:
    May 10, 2016 at 2:04 am #

    Hi Donna,

    Wonderful post indeed 🙂

    I loved your examples of how to get to the next level, and you are SO right about all that you mentioned. If you keep repeating what you are doing, you stagnate and remain where you are. There is no growth of any form, and sadly, for most bloggers, this is the case. It’s kind of a vicious circle, which you need to break and try other things alongside.

    Yes, we tend to mingle, visit, and be with the ones that fit into our comfort zones, or do tasks that don’t require much of our time and effort. But that doesn’t help us much, nor does it help you get to the next level, as you beautifully mentioned. We need to think out of the box, be different, and try various ways to reach there, and it is very possible, provided we are ready for it. I won’t say this for myself, but my better half is a typical example, thus the several ideas in the pipeline, which should soon be taking shape.

    Thanks for sharing. Have a nice week ahead 🙂
    Harleena Singh recently posted..10 Ways of Creating Family Connections for Building A Strong FamilyMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill May 10, 2016 at 1:36 pm #

      Hi Harleena,

      I see it all the time. People reaching a point either in blogging or marketing online and just stay there. I think to myself, wow…with so much knowledge, why don’t they get to the next level? I know it’s none of my business. But I see so much potential in others.

      For me, I’m always climbing those stairs. Sometimes it doesn’t work out so well…other times it does. Then there are times where I thought something was going to be great and it took time for it to blossom.

      We never know until we get out of our comfort zone.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..4 Ways To Write More Blog Posts, And Write Them Better And FasterMy Profile

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